Soul Search

I come from Kolkata, India, and have attempted to use artistic expression via my works as a means to discover myself. My involvement with spiritual organizations back in India and reading some of the self-help books have all been instrumental in providing inspiration for expression. My works have been heavily influenced by experiences during the process of deep meditation and questioning. The purpose of my works is an expression of life’s purpose and meaning leading to my own unique spiritual path. This quest paralleled with life’s experiences forms a gamut of emotions that are reflected onto my canvases. The ever changing process of life and its evolvement forms the basis of inspiration to my works. There is a desire to express both an inner spiritual truth that lies beyond the immediate nature of the visual world, and the emotive, psychological and mystical appeal of pure color.

The spiral is a recurring motif in my paintings. . As an ancient symbol of the goddess, the womb, fertility, the feminine serpent force, continual change, and the evolution of the universe, the spiral has deep cultural significance for me. It is the symbol of the infinite Self, the mysterious connection with the Divinity and a visualization of the chakras within our systems. The colors used in the paintings also have great significance for me. Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. It is the color of peace and calm while golden is the color of spiritual energy. White is the symbol of purity, Red for me is love, passion, energy and vitality while the earth colors is associated with feelings of wholesomeness and stability and the connection with Mother Earth.

Another recurring motif here is traditional Indian Mehendi designs. By embedding these symbols found also in textiles that women use to adorn themselves, I attempt to bridge the cultural gaps between the eastern and western worlds that I inhabit and express the subtle strength of women and explore feminism in the context of Indian society.